Breaking supply chain of illicit drugs: Six arrested

Six people said to be among the sneaking and supplying illicit drugs into the country have been arrested in separate police operations conducted on the districts of Gatsibo and Musanze on February 14.

Two of the suspects; Claudine Niyonsenga and Carine Ingabire were arrested in Musanze trafficking illicit gin while four others were arrested red-handed in Gatsibo with quantities of cannabis.The operations, according to Rwanda National Police (RNP), are part of the general approach to break the chain of supply and ultimately the consumption rate.

According to the Northern region Police spokesperson, Inspector of Police (IP) Innocent Gasasira, both Niyonsenga and Ingabire were at the time of their arrest trafficking banned gin called Blue Sky parked in plastic bags, which were equally banned in Rwanda.

“They were at the time traveling in a Rubavu-bound public vehicle. We had earlier received information from one of the passengers on board reporting an illegal luggage and a roadblock was immediately erected along that route, where they were arrested and currently detained at Busogo Police Station,” said IP Gasasira.

“It has come to light that women are the majority engaged in trafficking of illicit gin. Fortunate enough, the police partnership with the people continues to thrive and that’s why we are always able to know and apprehend all those involved in any criminal activities,” he noted.

In the Eastern province, the spokesperson, IP Emmanuel Kayigi identified the suspects as Tharcisse Nkubana, 41; Pacifique Ngabonziza, 23; Athanase Sibomana; and Gilbert Dukuze, all who are currently detained at Kiramuruzi police station.

“Breaking the chain of supply is a campaign we are actively involved in through operations and public awareness, and it’s paying off,” said IP Kayigi.